Vania



March 18 1924.

J. PQDAMS. JR

AUTOMGBILE SWITCH Filed Sent. 1 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 18, 1924. 1,487,002"

J. L. ADAMS, JR

' AUTOMOBILE SWI TCH Filed Sent. 1 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 mvamon James f. Ha0m.s,./rr

ATTORN EY' March 18 1924. 1,487,002

J. L. ADAMS, JR

AUTOMOBILE SWITCH Filed Sent. 1914 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 \NVENTOR James LAaa/m/fi 35 I wn ESSES: .4 y 9 F/c; /6 BY trolling the startmg,

Patented Mar. 18, 1924.

UNITED STATES PATENT ori ice.

JAMES L. ADAMS, .13., 0F WILKINSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOB TO .W'ESTING- HOUSE ELECTRIC AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY,

VANIA.

A CORPORATTON OF PENN SYL- AUTOMOBILE swrrcn.

Application filed September a, 1314; Serial No. 860,614.:

Automobile Switches, of whic the following is a specification.

My invention relates to automobile switches and particularly to such switches as'control the starting, lighting and ignition systems of automobiles.

My invention has, for one of its objects, to provide a unitary mechanism for conlighting and ignition systems ofautomobiles. i w A second object of my invention is to provide a switch, of the character indicated above, in 'which all of the operations ofthe systems controlled by it may be controlled by a single key. w k I A-further object of my invention is to provide a switch which is so constructed that it cannot be tampered with by unauthorized persons. I

' In the installation of the various electrical systems of automobiles, it is desirable that the wirin layouts be as simple as possible to the en that the timo and materials required by the manufacturer to equip the assembled automobile may be materially reduced. It is desirable, also, in the interest of economy of space and of convenience in operation, to combine the functions of the various independent switches in a unitary mechanism that may be controlled by a single lever or key. An important factor in connection with such devices is the means for preventing unauthorized persons from removing the cover plate of the switch to insort jumpers or to short circuit certain portions of the switch in order to render it operative without the use of the usual key.

I provide a combined switch and fuse block which obviates the necessity for connecting wires between them. A single key operates, when adjusted, to various positions, to produce any desired combination of effects upon the several electrical systems controlled by it. Since no assembling screws are accessible from the exterior of the mechanism, unauthorized ersons cannot open the switch except by estroying some of its parts.

- carrying v In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is a front end'view, in elevation, of the switch mechanism withthe cover removed. Fig. 2 is a side view, partially in elevation and partially in section, of the switch, the casing and cover being shown, rear view, in elevat'om'of the switch, thecasing being removed. Fig; i is a viewfin longitudinal section, of the switch' with the cover in open position-and the casing removed. Fig. 5 isanfend view ofa-rotatabledisk contact elements. Fi fig'isjaz'seo tional view of a portion'of the dislz' shown in Fig. 5. Fig'. 7 is a sectional viewoi a portion of the operating mjechanismi i Fig. '8 is an end 'view, partially 'in' elevation and partially in section, ofthe mechanismillustrated in]:"ig.7, parts'being broken away. Fig. 9 is a front end view ofthe'switch, the cover being in'close'd os'ition. Figs. 110, 11 and '12 are views 0%. detailsfof the controlling mechanism for the ignition system. Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic gviewpf circuits an apparatus'employed in connection with my invention. Figs. 14:, 15, 16,;17'and '18are diagrammatic views showing the'circuits controlled by the' rotatable member of the switch as it is ad'us'ted to various positions.

Referringlparticularly to "Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the switc 1 comprises a ho ow cylindrical base member 2 of insulating material having a reduced portion 3 in which is mounted a lock 4 of any desired type as, for example, a Yale look. A stationary portion of the lock 4 is secured to the member 2, while the rotatable ortion of the lock is connected to a short s aft 5 that isprovided with a flange portion 6.

Referring now to Figs. 5, 6, 7 and 8, a

' disk 7 of insulatin material, which is loose-- g mounted upon t e shaft 5 adjacent to the an e 6, is rovided with a spring-pressed paw 8 whic coacts with a shoulder portion 9 on the shaft 5 to form a ratchet mechanism. The disk 7 is rotated by the shaft 5 when the latter is rotated in one direction but it remains stationary under other condi-- tions. The disk 7 and a contact segment 10, which is mounted upon the disk, are provided with a number of depressions 11 that are engaged by coacting contact fingers to accentuate the position of the disk as it totates. The contact segment 10 is provided, also, with contact pieces 12 extending through the disk 7 to connect a coacting pair of contact 57and;6Qjwhichengagc the contact pieces' simultaneously on oppo site sides of the disk.

A. disk 13, of insulating material, which is loosely mounted on the end portion of the shaft 5, is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed slots 14 to coact with corresponding lugs 15 on the shaft to provide a lost-motion connection between these members. The disk 13 is provided with a continuous peripheral groove 16 which COMJLS with a slider 17 (Figs. 11 and 12) for a purpose to be later described.

The short shaft 5is'p'rovided with a central longitudinal bore to be occupied by a slidable pin 18 that is engaged by the end of the key 19 when it'is' inserted in 'thelock 4 and which operates, upon an additional forward movement ofthe keybeyond its normal operating position, to effect the engagement of s'pringcontactmembers '29 and 21 to control the starting circuit. Such additional movement is permlttedby thelaterally movable tumblers offthesvv'itch in the same manner as they 'per'mit ,the insertion of the key.

The front face of the'b'ase member 2 serves as a fuse block, and fou'r fuses 22, which protect the of thevehicle, are symmetrically arranged about the reduced portion 3. a A resistori,;2 3, whichiseinployedjn connection witht'he lightiiig system,'1s also mountedon' the'ba'se member 2. An annular member 24, 'whichjscopnected to the stationary portion of; the logk 4 by 'radial arms n ha artst w t ui abl Openings for bolts fors ci ews, affords a convenient means for fatta'chlng the sw tch 'to' the dashboard of thevehicle, it cover 26, which is hinged, to the member 24, is provided wah a slot 27 for the finsert'ion 'ofjthe key and a slot 28 for inspection of a dial 29 that iscarried by the rotatable iportionof the 166114. The cover 26 is also provided, upon itsin'ner surface, with a finger '3 0 "whioh coacts with the dial 29 to prevent the opening; ofthe cover 26 except when a nQtchBLin the dial 29 registers with thefingenBQ. ,The'dial 29 is provided, also, with holes 32; 'near its periphery which, coact with a spriiig 33 to accentuate the position of, the dial A suitable casin member 34, which encloses the switch mec anism, is fastened to the annular member 24 in such a manner that it may be removed only when the front cover is open.

The circuits and'a'pparatus employed in connection with my invention are illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 13. It will be noted that the head lights 35, side lights 36 and tail light 37 of the vehicle are arranged in separate circuits so that any desired com bination of lights may be obtained by properly setting the switch. A pair of contact fingers 38 and 39. which are controlled by coacting cam surfaces 39a and 390 on the disk 7, operate to connect the head li hts 35 in series or in parallel relation, accor ing as the fin er 38 is in its upper orlower position.

The ignition system shown in Fig. 13 comprises an induction coil 40, an interrupter 41 and a distributer 42. The direction of the current traversing the interrupter is controlled by a reversing switch comprising a pair of spring arms 43 and 44 which are actuated by the slider 17 in the groove 16 to engage contact members 45 and 46, respectively, when they are in their upper positions and to engage contact members 46 and 47, respectively, when in their lower positions. A ballast resistor 53, which is included in the ignition circuit, is mounted on the base member 2. The ignition mechanism is actuated by the shaft of a dynamoelectric machine 48, the batterycharging circuit of which is controlled by a cut-out 49. The contact fingers 20 and 21 control the circuit of the coil of an electro-magnetic switch 50 which, in turn, controls the connection of a starting motor 51 to astorage battery.

It may be assumed that the vehicle to which the switch may be attached is stationary and that the switch mechanism is in the off position, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 13,

in which no current is supplied to the circuits controlled by it. When it is desired to operatethe vehicle, the key 19 is inserted in the lock 4 and turned in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1, until the legend IGN on the dial 29 registers with the slot 28. The disk 7 and contact segment 10 then occupy the positions, relatively to the several coacting contact 'fi'n'gers, as illustrated in Fig. 14. The slider 17, which, in the off position, occupies a position midway between the ends of its path of movement, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13, is actuated either upwardly or downwardly, as the case may be, to connect the interrupter 41 in circuit with the battery. Assuming that the slider 17 has been actuated upwardly, current flows throu h a circuit extending from the battery, t rough a conductor 52,primary winding of the induction coil 40, resistor 53, contact members 46 and 44, interrupter 41, contact members 43 and 45 to ground and thence to the rounded terminal of the battery.

The ey 19 is then pressed forwardly to actuate the pin 18 to effect engagement of the contact members 20 and 21. A circuit is then completed which extends from the battery through conductor 52, series field winding 54, armature winding of the generator 48, conductor 55, coil of switch 50 and contact members 21 and 20 to ground. The switch 50 then closes to complete the circuit of the starting motor 51, which may be operatively connected to the engine (not shown) in any suitable manner.

When the engine starts under its own power, the operator releases the key and the contact members 20 and 21 separate to de-energize the coil of the switch 50 and thereby open the motor circuit. The switch 50' may also open when the generator voltage opposes that of the battery. When the engine reaches a predetermined speed, at which the voltage of the generator 48 has reached a predetermined value, the cut-out 49 operates to close the charging circuit of the generator.

When it is desired to operate the vehicle lamps, the key 19 is rotated in a clockwise direction to connect the desired lamps in circuit. In the position designated by H & T on the dial 29, the circuits are arranged to connect the head lights and tail light in circuit, as illustrated in Fig. 15. The battery and the generator 48 are connected to the contact segment 10 through contact fingers 56 and 60. The head lights 35, which are connected in parallel relation, are connected to the contact segment 10 by means of contact finger 57, fuse 22, and contact fingers 38 and 39. .The tail light 37 is also connected to the contact segment 10 through a contact finger 58. and a fuse 22.

In the next position of the switch, which is designated y DIM, the circuits are arran d as illustrated in Fig. 16, with the hea lights 35 in series. The head li hts are thus dimmed because of the increase resistance of the circuit. The tail light remains in circuit and is not dimmed. The arrangement of the circuits, when the switch is in the position desi%iated by H, S & T, is illustrated in Fig. 1 The head lights 35 are a ain arranged in parallel relation for full filumination. The side lights 36, which are connected in parallel relation, are connected tothe contact segment 10, through a contact finger 59 and a; fuse 22. The tail light 37 is also connected in circuit.

The last operative position of the switch is illustrated in Fig. 18, in which the side lights and tail light only are connected in circuit. The battery is connected to the contact segment 10 through the resistor 23 and a contact finger 60, and the lights are accordingly protected from excessive current because the resistor 23 compensates for the voltage drop caused by the head lights when they are in circuit.

When it is desired to etc the engine and turn 03 all lamps of the ve icle, the switch is actuated in a clockwise direction to the 0H position. The slider 17 is then at the point ofintersection of the branches of the groove 16, in which position the i 'nition circuit is broken by the contact members 43 and 44. When it is desired to withdraw the key and leave the switch locked in any de sired position, the key is rotated in a clockwise direction to obtain the desired grouping of the lamps. The key is then turned in a counter-clockwise direction until the dial registers the oil position. The key may then be withdrawn and the switch is locked, with the desired lamps burning and the ignition circuit operative. The position of the disk 7 is not affected by the reverse movement of the key, because of the disks awl and ratchet connection to the lock. The disk 13, however, has a lost motion connection with the shaft 5 and will not be returned to thefofi position of the slider 17 which controls the ignition system.

By means of this arrangement, the engine may be left running, although the key has been removed. In order to stop the engine when the key is rotated counter-clockwise, the key is rotated beyond the off position to the next position, which is that designated by S 8: T. The disk 13 is then in the OE position and the ignition circuit is broken. The key may wise to the proper position for withdrawal, without affecting the position of either of the disks 7 and 13.

-When the key is again inserted and 1'0 tated in the clockwise direction, the pawl and ratchet mechanism insures that the dial 29 and disk 7 will again assume their normal relative positions. It will be readily understood that further rotation of the disk 13 will cause the slider to move inthe direction opposite to that described above in connection with the operation of the switch and thus eifect the engagement of contact members. 43 and 44: with contact members 46 and 47, respectively, to reverse the connections of the interrupter 41.

By omitting the spring contact members 20 and 21, the switch may be employed without further change for the control of light ing and ignition circuits only. Also, if the disk. 13, slider 17 and contact members 43, 4A, 45, 46 and 47 are omitted, the switch may be used for starting and lighting control only., i

It will be noted that I provide a simple and efiicient means for controlling the starting, lightin and ignition systems of a motor vehicle means of a single actuating element. By combining a number of independent controlling devices in a single uni tary mechanism, I have avoided the use of a large number of conductors that are ordinarily necessary to connect the several electrical systems with the controlling mechanism.

The switch operates automatically to reverse the direction of current through the interrupter of the ignition system and thus prolong the life of the interrupter contact membels by preventing the excessive transfer of metal from one of the contact members to the other which results when the current always flows in the same direction. it is possible. by means of the mechanism above then be rotated clock-' v left until the key is again inserted. Since the switch is inaccessible both from the front and the rear, it cannot be tampered with during the absence of the owner. These and many other advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which my invention appertains.

I claim as my invention: A

1. In an electrical system, the combination with a lighting circuit'and an ignition circuit and circuit-controlling devices therefor, each comprising relatively movable contact'members, one of said devices having a plurality of operative positions in which corresponding combinations of contact members are in engagemena'of'meansjor looking said circuit-controllingfdevices, and a single member forefiecting' the actuation of said devices and the locking of"said"devices in their, respectivefladjusted positions when said onedevioeis in any of'its severahoperative positions. -2. In'ai electricalsystem, the combination with alightiiig systemjaiid an ignition sy's' tem and circuit-controlling devices therefor, each 'compifisingi'rel'atively' movable contact members, one of'said'dvi'ces having a. ply-' ra'lit'y' of" operative positions 1 which rep ir vem esw e ber's'aie n; engagement, of Lgmea'jnslfbr said'circiilt-contrfillm" cemeeand asin "1e vices to their respective d]?e'riitiv'efend inoperative? 'tions -iaiidfforflbclfi'ng tliem in any of'suc csit'ieaa 3. The comb'ii'ation with {PIiira'IityFof electrical circuits and circuit-, coiitrblling'de vices therefor comprising relatively movable co'ntact members having 1 a plurality" of 10perative positions in which corresponding combinations of contact members are in engagement to vary-conditions in said circuits, of a removable key that is rotatable to actuate one of said devices to its respective operative positions and is longitu'dinally'mov able to actuate another'of said devices to an operative position, certain of said devices being locked in their respective operative positions to' maintain the correspondin conditions in the circuits controlled thereby "upon the withdrawal of said key.

4. The combination with the ignition and lighting systems of an automobile, of means for controlling said systems, said means comprising an oscillatable member for reversing the direction of the current traversing said ignition system and a rotatable member for effecting the oscillation of said oscillatable member and for determining the condition of said lighting system.

*5. The combination with the'lighting, ignition andstarting circuits of a motor vehicle, of a revoluble member for controlling said lighting-and ignition circuits, locking means for said revoluble member, and a member slidable relatively to said revoluble member for-controllingsaid starting circuit and for lockingsaid revoluble member in a plurality of positions.

='6.- The combination with a plurality of electrical circuits which comprise an electric starting motor and ignition mechanism for a'n internal combustion'engine and electric vehicle lamps, of aunitary lock and switch mechanism 'forcont rolling said circuits to produce'aplurality of arrangements of said circuits said mechanism comprising an actii'ating member having a longitudinal movement for controlling one of said circuits and a rotative movement for controllin the other circuits, said member being operable to lock saidniechanism in a plurality of positions.

'Z'."1he combination with a plurality of electrical circuits comprisin an electric mot'or,hignition'mechanism an --electric lamps, of a unitary switch-mechanism for controlling said circuits "comprising commonlmezins for actuating said switch 'inechanism and for- -'said switch mechanism in a plurality oiofierative po'sitions;*-'-- I "-8, ;'="Ihe"combiriation with a plurality of electrical bircuit 'of a motorrvehicleyof a unita said circuitsg said mechanism having a plurality of operativejpositions and comprising .lock'in "fiieclianisrii and:"a-'single' key member -for e ecting the-i actuation "ofsaid switch mclfarr'isnrra'iid .the locking ofsaid switch mechanism Einrsaid positions. J319.3Thewombination with a plurality of lectridal circuits, a"dia:l having characters for' vindicating if certain "of said circuits and-"a1 rotatablei'inember for controllin the circuits; indicated on said dial, of 100 ting means=for-said*rotatab1emember and a; slidable ky associated' with-said rotatable mem- .ber forco'ntrollin'g another of said circuits, for actuatin "said rotatable member, and for locking sai rotatable member in desired :pbsitidns 10. lheconibination with a plurality of electrical circuits, a dial having characters .hwitclibmechanism ":for controlling for indicating certain of said circuits an'cba rotatable member for controlling the circuitsindicated 011'- said die], of locking means for said rotatable member and a slidable key mounted in the axis of said rotatable member for controlling another of said circuits,'for actuating said rotatable mombeiy'and for'loclring said rotatable member in predetermined positions.

' 11. The combination' vith a lighting system comprising'th'e head, side and tail lights of amotor vehicle and a resistor, of a unimechanism operative, to

tary mechanism comprising an actuating member which operates, according to its position, to effect the connection of the head lights and tail light in circuit with the head lights in parallel relation, the connection of the head lights in series relation and maintain the tail light connections, the connection of all of said lights in circuit and the connection of the side and tail lights in circuit with said resistor.

12. The combination with a plurality of electrical circuits comprising the starting and ignition mechanisms for an internal combustion engine and the lamps of a motor vehicle, of means cuits comprising a single which operates, according to its angular and longitudinal positions, to render the ignition efiect the simul taneous operation of the starting and ignition mechanisms, to effect the connection of the lamps in circuit in a plurality of combinations, with the ignition and. starting mechanism either operative or inoperative, as desired, and to render all of said circuits inefi'ective.

13. The combination with the lighting, ignition and startin circuits of a motor vehicle, of a lock having a rotatable member for controllingsaid lighting and ignition circuits and havingfa' longitudinally movable member for controlling said startin circuit.

14. The combination with the lighting, ignition and starting circuits of a motor vehicle, of a lock having a'rotatable member for controlling said lighting and ignition circuits and a longitudinally movable key for controlling said starting circuit and for actuating said rotatable member.

15. The combination with the starting, lighting and ignition circuits of a motor vehicle, of switches for controlling said circuits, a main operating device for controlling the lighting and ignition switches, a second operating device movable relatively for controlling said cir-' actuating member to said main device for controlling the starting switch, and common means for actuating said device and for locking said main operating device in certain of its positions.

16. The combination with the starting, lighting andignition circuits of a motor vehicle and switches for controlling said circuits, of a main operating device for controlling the lighting and ignition switches, a secondpperatin device comprising :1. r0 slidable relative y to said main device for controlling the starting switch, and common means for actuating said second device and for locking said main operating device.

17, The combination with the starting, lighting and ignition circuits of a motor vehicle and switches for controlling said circuits, of a dial plate, a main operating device associated with said dial plate and controlling the lighting and ignition switches, said main operating device having a hub provided with a passage, a second operating device comprising a rod slidable 1n the passage in said hub, and common means for actuating said slidable rod and for looking said main operating device in certain of its positions.

18. In a system, the combination with two electrical circuits and switches therefor, of a removable handle for one and a lock for the other whereby the conditions in the corresponding circuits may not be changed in the absence of said removable handle, and means actuated by the attachment of said removable handle for disabling said lock to ermit the operation of the corresponding switch to control its associated circuit.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name this 25th day of Aug., 1914.

T. N. Rans'ron, B. B. HINES. 

